A host of former athletics stars turned up to pave the way for people in the North East to enjoy more sport and be healthier.

Olympic heroes Colin Jackson, Sally Gunnell, Daley Thompson and Steve Cram ensured a racing start for the Sport England plan for the region, at Matfen Hall, in Northumberland. They were joined by Kriss Akabusi and John Regis. Also there was British long jump record-holder, Chris Tomlinson and swimmer Mark Foster.

Sport England has been given the job of increasing levels of participation in sport by at least 1% a year in the North East by the Government. This would lead to a participation rate of around 50% by 2020.